A made in Italy design and craftsmanship combine with technology and innovation in a motorcycle made by Ducati in partnership with Poltrona Frau’s Interiors…
Ducati XDiavel Nera
Engine: 1262cc Testastretta 4 valves per cylinder
Transmission: 6 speed belt drive
Power: 113 kW
Torque: 92.9 lb ft @ 5000 rpm
Dry weight: 221 kg
Seat height: 755 mm
Fuel capacity: 18 litres
Price: $44,900 (ride away)
Turning out limited-edition models has largely been a supercar thing for a while now. Case in point, the Bugatti… anything. Ducati though, have also been known to ‘specialise’ their rides, including a wild Lamborghini Sian-themed XDiavel model. For their latest XDiavel, they have teamed with renowned Italian interior maker Poltrona Frau, to bring together two things Italian autos are known for – speed and luxury.
Dubbed the XDiavel Nera, Poltrona Frau (known for crafting Ferrari and Maserati trim) focused mainly on the seat. Hand made with laser engraved X logos, trims include Siam Red, Steel Blue, Cemento, India, and Selva and come in standard, wide, or with a backrest to carry a campagno (passenger). Also on the stitch list, are accompanying accessories wrapped in matching leather, including a special key fob and document folder.
As suggested by the name, XDiavel Nera comes in black-on-black decals with bright red accents including the front brake’s four piston Brembo calipers and the engine’s valve covers. As a machine, the bare XDiavel itself is much the same brave Bolognan cruiser known since 2011, sharing the same basic design, technology, and mechanical components of the other two XDiavels – the XDiavel S and XDiavel Dark. As such, the engine is a very capable edition of the 1262cc 90 degree V-Twin Testastretta powerplant, with variable desmo valve gear and dual plugs. Therefore, it will generate 160 horsepower (113 kW) at 9,500 rpm and 92.9 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm – enough to make this freshed up cruiser keep its rocket wheels.
Coming equipped with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III radials, the XDiavel Nera rolls on forged aluminum wheels. Also unchanged is the chassis, with the steel-tubing trellis frame featuring a long 63.6-inch wheelbase and a plentiful 5.1 inches of trail – the most available in Borgo Panigale (home of Ducati).
Specific techs incude an electronic suite that includes the most advanced safety functions, such as cornering ABS. Such a pricey performance package is rarely seen in the two-wheeler segment – but then again this is Ducati.
By Bill Varetimidis
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